About PANDSI
Our Mission
To empower people affected by maternal depression through advocacy, support and education.
Our Vision
To be recognised as delivering an ideal complementary service delivery model based on the identification of key risk factors to postnatal and antenatal depression through education and the reduction of isolation that minimises the effect on society.
History of PANDSI
The ACT Post Natal Depression Support Group was set up as a 'self-help' group in the ACT in 1981. EXPAND Inc. was an existing group servicing the Northside of Canberra. Both groups amalgamated in 1989 to service the whole of the ACT. As a result of the amalgamation, the organisation was renamed in 2001 as Post & Ante Natal Depression Support & Information Inc - PANDSI.
In 1997 the organisation received government funding and widened its scope. It now has two part-time administration staff as well as three part-time support workers. There is also a significant reliance on volunteers to assist in a range of activities from maintaining the library to accompanying the Pram Walk.
PANDSI offers information concerning a range of disorders to women, partners and interested others including health professionals. It provides ongoing telephone support, drop-in services and facilitated support groups (by trained support workers).
A Message from our Patron
Postnatal depression is a serious public health issue with figures estimating that one in seven women who experience pregnancy, childbirth and new parenthood will experience some level of post or antenatal depression. These figures are alarming.
Access to appropriate counselling and health care is essential if we, as a community, are serious about addressing the needs of women and families who have been affected by this illness.
Public awareness and acceptance of postnatal depression has increased over the past decade largely by the hard work of many women and women's organisations such as PANDSI, in getting governments and the community to recognise the seriousness of postnatal depression.
PANDSI plays an important role in providing professional and peer support to people in the ACT region affected by post or antenatal depression.
I am honoured to be associated with an organisation such as PANDSI.
Katy Gallagher MLA
Patron of PANDSI
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